Peter Dunne on 1080 Poison

United Future Leader Peter Dunne outlines the reasons for a complete ban on the use of 1080

ERMA decision

Dunne: ERMA 1080 report misses the point

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne is disappointed by the decision of the Environmental Risk Management Authority to allow the continued use of 1080 poison to control opossum numbers.

"By its own admission, ERMA is a reluctant supporter of 1080's use, describing it as a necessary evil. That misses the point about its use."

Mr Dunne said," ERMA has not addressed the indiscriminate nature of its use, particularly by way of aerial drops.

"It does not accept there is collateral damage to other animal life and the consequences of the poison, in the quantities that it is used, on the environment and entering the food chain.

"Of particular concern is the effect on wild deer populations that are an important part of New Zealand's game animal resource.

"That is why UnitedFuture sought and achieved the establishment of a Game Management Review as part of its confidence and supply agreement with the Labour-led Government."

A panel with representatives from the major recreational and conservation groups in New Zealand is currently working on sensibly managing deer, chamois, tahr and pigs as a sustainable game resource that has minimum impact on New Zealand's environment, but maximises the recreational benefit for the large number of deer stalkers and hunters in New Zealand.

"The continued indiscriminate use of 1080 puts that work at risk.

"ERMA needs to focus on more targeted use of poisons for pest management rather than giving the impression that there is no alternative to 1080 and it is all too hard to look at other ways of controlling pests.

I am certain the Game Management Review initiated by UnitedFuture will provide those answers," said Mr Dunne.

Dunne welcomes gambling services value-for-money review

Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne today welcomed a Health Ministry Value-for-Money Review of problem gambling services that found they were innovative, well designed and with good coverage of the most at-risk groups.

 The review, undertaken by KPMG, focused on all aspects of the Government’s problem gambling programme, from the Ministry’s role through to the delivery of services to prevent and minimise gambling harm.

 “The report provides a robust, in-depth review, identifying a range of strengths and areas for further development,” Mr Dunne said.

 “It provides a strong level of reassurance that value for money is being achieved, and continues to improve significantly.

 “This is something which we seek in every area of public expenditure, but especially in such tight economic times,” he said.

 The review found that a strong trend in increased value for money was clearly evident.

 Areas identified for further improvements were delivery against contracted targets for service providers, better evidence for public health activities undertaken and strengthening communication between the Ministry, service providers and the gambling industry.

 “The report is robust and in-depth, identifying a range of strengths and areas for further development,” Mr Dunne said.

 “Issues around gambling are a complex area, and there are a range of activities and services. The review findings provide an ideal stepping stone for the ongoing delivery of quality problem gambling services.

 The full report can be found on the Ministry of Health website at

http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/problemgambling-publications

Peter Dunne on Heli-hunting

Following the announcement by DoC that heli-hunting permits will be issued, not only on Conservation Land, but Wilderness Areas, Peter Dunne states his disdain for heli-hunting and for DoC, which issues the permits.

DoC Heli-hunting decision a rip-off – Dunne

 UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne has labelled the Department of Conservation’s decision to grant heli-hunting permits over vast tracks of conservation land and wilderness areas as a “rip-off”.

 “Once again DoC has ripped off those New Zealanders that enjoy spending time in our mountains,” said Mr Dunne.

 “Heli-hunting on public conservation land is not only abhorrent and potentially dangerous, but also does not fit the intention by which our national parks and wilderness areas were created.”

 Heli-hunting entails either shooting a tahr or chamois directly from a helicopter or placing a hunter on the ground and herding the animal or animals towards them with the helicopter.

 “It is not sport, it is certainly not hunting, it’s just killing.”

 “For years helicopter operators have got away with this inhumane, barbaric practice and now DoC have not only legitimised it, but they have given it priority over other forms of recreation.”

 “The real hypocrisy is that for wilderness areas such as the Adams, Hooker Landsborough and Olivines where other people are not even allowed fly-in access DoC has allowed heli-hunters an unprecedented right to use helicopters.”

 “The average Kiwi tramper or hunter has been relegated to a second-class citizen in his own country.” 

 “Those that go into the Southern Alps to hunt, tramp or climb deserve better. DoC is a department that has totally lost its way. It is meant to look after the interests of New Zealanders first and foremost, not rich tourists who now have more rights in our mountains than we do.”

 “This decision is further proof that DoC can no longer be trusted to look after the interests of recreation in this country. The recently announced Game Animal Council will need to address the issue of heli-hunting as it is clear that DoC will not,” said Mr Dunne.

 The Department of Conservation’s decision and letter to applicants can be found here:

http://www.doc.govt.nz/about-doc/news/issues/heli-hunting/